Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Grace- beautiful song from The Wilds
Grace from The Wilds
Our choir has sung this song and it's so beautiful. I'm finding less encouragement from CCM lately, and much more in songs or hymns like this.
Singing praises to the Lord is a great way to bless Him each day. It is important to praise Him many times each day I'm finding. He is good.
How to Turn Persecution into Production- Sermon by John MacArthur
A good sermon to start a day of work with! May our love abound when the hurting seek to hurt.
I know my Redeemer lives and reigns victorious, and He is all powerful. More importantly, He alone rightly discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts.
https://www.gty.org/sermons/1758/how-to-turn-persecution-into-production
Ephesians 3:14-21 NASB1995
[14] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, [16] that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. [20] Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, [21] to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.3.14-21.NASB1995
Bible Translations-Contains Several Links
A sure mark of a church that isn't spot on is one that says the only trusted Bible is the King James version. Those churches may even call it The King James Bible, not considering it a translation, as if it were God-breathed. All Scriptural content was given by God, but the Hebrew and Greek was written in Hebrew and Greek, and that is what was inspired. Any English translation had to be translated from the original manuscripts and thus, they are all translations.
God did not re-inspire the translators of the King James or any other translation. Please also note, people had trustworthy Biblical text before the authorized version...men love words like authorized to give something clout. Too many people hear that and think, "OH! It is AUTHORIZED, so obviously it is the RIGHT ONE!" Please know, the world had Scripture before 1611. To assert the KJV was inspired is to claim double inspiration and that is unbiblical. God promised to preserve His Word, and He did that. We have older manuscripts and newer manuscripts, and giving one group of them a special name does not bestow upon it extra revelation or inspiration from God Almighty. From all of these manuscripts, there have been several excellent Word for Word translations written. God has used many translations to save people and lead them in sanctification. His Holy Spirit has known how to override our short-comings for a long, long time.
The King James only movement has a beginning point; it was birthed due to people disagreeing with making the KJV more accurate and readable. Sadly, there is nothing new under the sun, and new groups spring up too often pushing this narrow view or that one. One such tiny church is in our area. The chief of that movement denies a literal 6 day creation, teaches people were saved by works and faith in the Old Testament, and they believe Christ was crucified on Wednesday, not Friday. The latter isn't a deal-breaker, but the other two are concerning because convincing people they do not have the Word of God if they don't have the one King James commissioned, produces a weak and limited faith. The 3rd point is only relevant because it is such a minority view in Protestantism, that it only proves my point that men are drawn to KJVO who want to be counter-culture, bold, brave, and ready to throw down for the Word of God. We must realize, discernment must show us, that certain types of men are drawn to a black/white world. Some men need to feel they are always fighting a battle. They live for a controversial position. Warriors at heart have difficulty when the war ends for them on one front, so the battle-cry of the KJVOers can be alluring, because hey, there is still a mantle to take up and fight for, even if it is within the church, right? I don't think so, brother.
I recall as a newer believer thinking everyone in church agreed with each other; I wrongly assumed everyone was not only saved, but on the same page with their biblical depth of understanding, politics, lifestyle preferences, financial views, parenting, music, dancing, drinking...you name it. In time I found that there is a broad range of liberty and views within the church. We're not robots or clones of each other. We are real people with a framework God has given us, and some of us are one way and some another, but we're all saved and living as best we can (or as best as we're willing) for the Lord. Believers can wrongly assume they are right about everything they think if God is using them and blessing them (or others) but that is a red flag. God uses whom He will, and He can do that in spite of our wrong thinking in an area. We are all still being sanctified, so logic would lead us to have to say that He uses people who are in error... we should sin less the longer we're saved, and ideally leaders should be quite orthodox and wise, but at times we're exposed to the margins.
Always check views you aren't sure of with the pastor of your church. Ask your Sunday School teacher as well, but do not stop there because as just explained, they might disagree with the pastor and the official position of the church and fail to make that clear in their explanation to you. A wise teacher with views that are different from the church should not state their disagreements, but rather state the church's position on the matter.
For example, my church uses one Bible translation for consistency, but it does not believe that is the only correct version. We have our 2 former pastors in the church also who affirm the current position. Those who think that there is only one accurate translation wrongly think others have not looked into the issue closely. They fail to see that plenty have looked into it, and they are convinced it is a weak and indefensible position to take. It shouldn't cause division, but we should have a learned opinion.
Don't take my word for it, there are links below that I encourage you to consider, from vastly more articulate and learned men than this simple writer.
We serve a God who is mighty and able to preserve His own Word and He does not limit Himself to one sinful, earthly king's thoughts on the matter.
Charles Spurgeon on Bible Translations preferred KJV but when Revised came out, was in favor of correcting errors
R.C. Sproul on Bible Translations a Word for Word preference and gives specifics
John MacArthur on Bible Translation Part 1 a Word for Word preference and gives specifics
Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy very good approach
**I was recently asked by a pastor I was interviewing why I care so much about this issue. I will tell you what I didn't bother telling him. I care about this issue because I have a strong sense of justice. Wrong teaching is wrong, and that bothers me. On a personal note, I've watched a beloved brother go from sound doctrine to very wrong doctrine, and it was this modern KJVO movement that led the charge. My husband believes it is an unhelpful view that indicates other wrong views, which is why I have to learn where a church stands before I can recommend it to someone else. I love the church and I love truth. My love compels me to educate those who also claim to love the Lord.**
What He Must Be if He Wants to Marry my Daughter, Sermon by Voddie Baucham
What He Must Be if He Wants to Marry My Daughter
I've appreciated Voddie's commitment to the family and God's order for the home for years. His teaching on this topic reveals a solid grasp of what is needed to lead and guide a family. In order to lead, a man needs a woman willing to follow.
Many conservative Christian young women want to be full-time homemakers and mothers, and many want to homeschool their children. This takes fortitude, the ability to work hard, industriousness, and a strong walk with the Lord. Educated mothers can raise educated children.
There are men who want a traditional family to lead and care for. This requires a plan and intentionality.
My advice to men: work hard at becoming a man who can provide stability spiritually, emotionally and financially for a family. Be men of integrity; finish what you start, and do what you say you will do. Get advice from the type of man a quality girl will seek out.
My advice to young women: work hard serving those around you, have a job where you can use your talents and support yourself should you end up not marrying, and cultivate modest femininity. Men don't want a girl who looks like she's waiting around for a meal ticket.
No one expects perfection in a young man or woman, but that doesn't mean there aren't standards. ♥
Bible Verses for When Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
Psalms 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Romans 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”
Why Christians in My Homeschool Group Must be Involved in a Local Church
Sermon for Followers of Christ
Years ago as a new homeschooling mom of 3, I determined I would not have a future Christian homeschool group that included those who were not serving in their local church. At a minimum, an actual believer must attend worship services regularly. The reason is that the major purpose of (my group name) is to foster relationships with like- minded followers of Christ, and my conviction of what that means requires consistent dedication to what the Lord has established clearly for those who identify with Him, namely, being part of a local body of believers.
This sermon outlines the why of this, and may help as you strive to teach/reach your friends and family.
I sent this to those in my homeschool group recently. Might I lose members? Possibly, but I genuinely have a conviction about this matter. I cannot create Christian community with those outside of God's will on this. It is a starting point issue, meaning, we're all being sanctified and growing so will be in different places as we serve and learn, but this matter is a "get in the door " issue. People need to be under the authority of a local pastor to be in my group. That gives me a measure of protection as I say, "Hey, here are fellow Christians for your kids to interact with and Christian moms for you to be friends with." My group is not evangelical in nature.
Warren Wiersbe said it well, "It's dangerous for a believer to separate himself or herself from the rest of God's people and hope to learn the will of God."
an excellent study
Ten Commandments Sermon Series
First Sermon, The Ten Commandments Do NT Christians Need to Follow the Ten Commandments?
First Commandment
This series is being taught on Sunday nights. It is worth listening to if you are a New Testament believer wondering about the significance of the Ten Commandments today.
The Final Generation, Part 1 (Mark 13:28-37)
A good sermon for when snowed in! Hoping to watch part 2 later.
Antisemitism is Alive with Ms. Rachel
Babylon Bee
Worth the usual laugh/cringe combination with this hilarious satirical piece.
Not the Bee has the actual article regarding this popular children's content creator.
Understanding Friends
The reality is, when a complicated trial comes, you find out who to go to for comfort. Some people try but fail. They may not be able to understand and suggest unhelpful things, so it just isn't comforting. It is taxing when stupid suggestions are made because they think without research, they understand. Some people do not try. The reasons are varied. Maybe they've also not researched, so they lack empathy. Some folks don't have the capacity to understand, but are good at being compassionate and caring. They feel your pain and sacrifice their time in order to pray and check in. Those friends are treasures. They carry you through. They buoy you when your heart is breaking and you feel desperate. It's likely when you have friends like that, you've done the same for them. Compassion has a beautiful way of coming back to us. God shows His loving care in that dynamic, and we can't experience it if we're never the one needing the help. We can't always be the giver, even though we might want to be.
Feeling despondent and sad cannot last long. It's too heavy. One must trust the Lord in such times. To do otherwise is terrible. Travailing in prayer and Bible study is very important. I'm reminded of the Mandisa song, You Are My Lifeline. We sure see that when we're in anguish. The friends who are with us in all the stages become such beloved people. Don't rob them of the opportunity to help you. Likewise, don't tell yourself they won't care and thus rob yourself of the opportunity to grow closer through your time of need.
God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond that which we are able to withstand. Why are you downcast oh my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God! Having done all, stand firm in your faith. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. It is God who is at work in you. Cast your burdens upon Him, for He cares for you. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Great is His faithfulness ❤️. As others have done before you, encourage yourself in the Lord. Even with great friends. There's no substitute for praise and the Lord.
Stay Pure-To My Children
No stage of parenting is easy. Days can be easy, seasons easier, but parenting takes hard work, day in and day out, for years without end. Don't do what will give you children until you are ready to strive to parent well daily.
A pot of water does not go from cold to boiling. Wisdom dictates not starting down a path you don't want to finish. Stick to the high road.
No one becomes addicted who never takes a drink. Why set your feet on a path where you'll have to stand still for months on end? Or take a road that has the potential to lead to a place you'll regret going, or ruin a special moment you'd planned for your engagement or wedding day?
Loss of respect for yourself or another is not easily regained. Regret sticks in the mind sometimes for life.
Sacrificial love is to do what is best for another without thought for your own desires or needs. Starting this at the beginning of a relationship will aid the firm foundation of self-control that marks great marriages.
When a man demonstrates self-control to his future bride, it instills confidence in her that he will remain faithful during the inevitable hard times that come with marriage.
When a woman demonstrates self-control to her future husband, she shows a greater capacity to honor his wishes as the mother of his children. She'll be better equipped to fight her own selfish impulses, which is necessary for sacrificial mothering.
Modesty regards behavior as well as dress. Don't play games with 'conservative sexiness' or coyness. Govern yourself. It is wise to choose to be more careful than necessary in honor of your Lord, rather than hover at the line which should not be crossed.
As with many things, we only fool ourselves when we try to skirt godly standards. Our inner man is revealed subtly to those around us and will impact our opportunities and reputation.
Holiness concerns itself with godliness.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal 6:9
As the World Moves, So Goes the Church
Heading into a new year, there are numerous things on my mind...how I want to improve in devotion to the Lord, how I want to grow in trust and being set apart for Him, and how I do not want to be moved by circumstance.
I've been pondering being set apart a lot more than usual in recent weeks as I've been blessed to teach on the book of Exodus the past several weeks. Prior to this, I got to spend a fair bit of time in Genesis.
God was so serious about setting His chosen nation, Israel, apart for Himself. I believe He is still quite interested in His children being clearly set apart for Himself. We are to be in the world but not of it, to be a peculiar people, to be discreet, trustworthy, wholesome, honest, not a stumbling block, a people of God's own possession. The deeper spiritual issues should set us apart, but also our general behavior and speech. We should not lie or steal or gossip, but we should also not destroy the body God has given us or use it how we want. All things should come under subjection to the One who saved us. Areas such as what we listen to, what we read, how we spend our time, how selfless we are toward others, how we wear our hair, how we take care of ourselves, how we dress, how we spend our time and money, how easy we are to deal with (bc of not bullying others or intimidating them or forcing our will...). Whether we're women or men, we should seriously evaluate what we do when we are adults (children should be made to have godly standards, no matter how vexing and draining it is to hold them to them!).
Israel was to be completely separate from Egypt, and God showed that time and again, particularly with how there was a distinct difference as He brought the various plagues on Egypt and not those in Goshen. The Abrahamic Covenant separated God's men from those outside of the covenant, and what a time of clarity when the men led and determined the families allegiance. Notice how there wasn't a mark the women had to do to show their allegiance. God has a beautiful, patriarchal design for the family. In keeping with the thought of being separated out for Him, when the Exodus came, He separated His own out quite literally.
Just as we walk through a narrow gate of salvation, one by one, we must all come to our own decisions on what we will do as His followers. Others cannot make us be separated out for a life of service and devotion to Christ. To give lip service or partial service is very different than striving to commit yourself wholly to Him, to aim to die to yourself and take up your cross daily...
We will each have our own challenges to be clearly marked for Him, be they physical, situational, financial, or occupational. We have to decide how we will take those challenges. Will we use them as an excuse to be worldly, or will we see them as helping push us to a greater sacrifice for His name's sake, perhaps having to be even more conservative so as to clearly not cross the line He's laid out before us? Choose you this day Who YOU will serve...
We must decide these things for ourselves. He calls His own by name and no sacrifice on this earth is too great to make for what He has done for us. We do need to be quiet before Him and pray for wisdom to see what He wants of us. Continual noise and distraction will allow us to remain in our self-righteous sin for far too long.
In the spirit of being set apart, here are some talks by Elizabeth Elliot that I'll be listening to as 2026 gets underway. I'll be getting in shape and losing weight, and that will challenge me to be modest, and I'm aging and the attitudes of women can be more immodest at this stage of life if not careful. I want to bring glory and not shame to my Lord in 2026, and think these will only help me.
When A Battle Ends
There are situations that God allows us to be in which take us to our ends...our wits' end, the end of our patience, the end of our mercy and grace, the end of our understanding. Situations that frustrate us to no end, and which torment us because we want to be gracious and kind, but the offense to our Lord is too great. The offense is more than should be borne. And yet, when others' do not know the story, we must rely on God alone to carry us through. For many years this was a story for us, and it wasn't until the 11th hour that I began to seek help in prayer from trusted, mature, Christian women. In times, as the end drew nigh, and my strength and resilience were at the brink of failure, my soul poured forth it's anguish. At times we struggle to pray because the challenges are great, and it is by God's design that we need the fellowship of believers to be fellows in our suffering. We bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
This might be one of the only times in my life where I see us having lived through something of biblical proportion. Picturing how it would be written in the Holy text. How years of failure would be penned, how years of toil would be recorded, and then the swift victory written out, and how that would be said. Many hours of pain, prayer, anguish, disbelief in what was happening, injustice, infuriating disappointment, love for His church, love for Him, love for the brethren...and pressing on and pressing on and pressing on. And it would be said in a sentence in the Bible.... Maybe two.
Our lives and the hours spent wrapped up neatly with, "And then he was gone." Just like that.
Cain killed his brother Abel. But all the details in the midst of that we aren't told...
and Enoch walked with God...but there all the things we aren't privy to that also happened.
And God slew him...and God smote him...and God's anger was kindled. Many day in and day out details are not said or known in Scripture, but the high points where we see God's hand of power, God's direction of the destiny, ARE stated. "And we know all things work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to His purpose."
How humbling to be a part of history like that. God is too good and mysterious, and yet, He is known and wants us to know Him...those He called before the foundation of the earth was laid can know the King of Kings! How can it be?
Oh my King, how powerful You have shown Yourself to be! How great and mighty is Your hand! How you bring justice! Even when You do make it right, it is still painful as we're torn between sadness and joy. Why do we force Your mighty hand to act? When you answer our prayer to do what must be done because evil acts prevail and Your creation is suffering...why must it hurt to witness? You have wrought us as so frail we cannot handle Your justice without a mix of emotions. But God, I praise You for Your deliverance! My heart is so full and so fearful of Your just hand. We have seen Your salvation. We have seen You defend what is Yours. It is You who lifts up and puts down! How can my soul ever despair when men come and go as powers and kings? It cannot! You are too great! Too Sovereign! Too Almighty! My soul exalts the Lord who made Heaven and earth! You have done it! You have redeemed and freed, and cast down what must be cast down. You have seen, You have heard our cry. Be magnified Oh Lord in Your church! Be magnified in all the earth! We are but clay, mold us and make us, move us and use us for Your honor and good pleasure and glory ALONE. "Now to Him who is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, Amen and amen!"
How do we live our daily lives, making decisions, living and dying, building and tearing down, and all the while it is under the umbrella of your Sovereignty and perfect will? You are too great for me. Holy, HOLY, HOLY is the Lord God Almighty. I am Yours. Do with me what you will. Amen. Thank you, Father. You have saved us.
excellent free resources on gty.org
If you know me, or read this blog, you know I've learned a great deal from John MacArthur over the past 30 years. I'm not on websites much, but when ordering a free resource tonight, noticed that the site has several terrific devotional options free to read and learn from daily! I love this! We give one of these books to graduating seniors in our church, and I use it when having a group over monthly. I'm happy to see this here and hope you will share it with others.
Devotional Reading Options:
The Stupidity of Virginians
https://notthebee.com/article/democrat-who-wanted-his-opponents-and-their-children-murdered-becomes-top-law-enforcement-officer-in-virginia?utm_source=Not+The+Bee+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11062025
If you doubt we are living under God's judgment, read the above article and realize a state that was once so great and championed freedom from tyranny, has been elected to an important position. We need not fear what man can do to us. In eternity, we know where someone like this man will be if he remains as he is, and we who are in Christ know where WE will be.
A Discussion that Reeks of Disillusionment
I was talking to someone today, praising the work of her relative who is a man who is en route to be a naval flight officer. I said it's a good job for a man to have. The reply was that women have faster reflexes. In turn I say, yes, but there's more to the job than that. She went on to say it'd be interesting to see the reports or statistics, as if to imply there are reasons it is a job a woman should/can have...
I dropped the conversation because there's no reasoning with women who still think so lowly of the roles traditionally assigned to women. Women who think that only "male jobs matter" are clueless to true reality. They can't see that just because you "can" doesn't mean you "should". Plus, what is wrong with there being things each sex is better equipped to do? It's not a problem for each of us to be better at certain things... I feel like women who can only be satisfied if girls get to do all the things the boys do are only perpetuating the erroneous thinking that some jobs (MAN jobs) matter most. It's this idea that has so many females pushing to be in all the boy things. We can't have boy-only sports or groups because stupid women have jumped into the perceived "male stuff is better", leaving their girl-only groups. This only adds more credence to that notion that what the men do and think must be better, so let's all run over there. I say, why not embrace and love what God designed women to excel with? I find it small minded to compete with men for roles that require physical strength and hard mental stamina. Women are gifted differently and beautifully. Why not find value in that? I sure do.
Divine Design book
This stems back to the Garden of Eden. The woman wants to rule OVER the man, not be equal. But nothing will change the REALITY. God made us DIFFERENT yet equal, and the husband is the one to rule over his wife. To lovingly lead her and give the guidance she needs.
Eve in Exile book
Women, who are wives like this one I talked to today, are so unhappy in their marriages compared to the ladies I know who think very differently, including myself.
Wear the pants, do the extremely stressful full time work... how satisfied are you at 50 years old with what you poured into your home and children? How's your health and marriage?
The Pillars of Christian Character
From Grace to You...
This is a worthwhile series to dig into as you get 2026 underway. I still can't believe John MacArthur is with the Lord now. What a year it was with losing him and Voddie Baucham, and the murder of Charlie Kirk. God is on the move. Let's be found faithful!
Voddie Baucham's Home Going
Voddie's Obituary with Books to Read
I hope you will get the books listed in his obituary. They didn't mention one I always liked the title for (of course, can't mention them all in an obit...), What He Must Be.... If He Wants to Marry My Daughter. Confession: haven't read that one myself, but I'm sure there are some good points made because I've listened to sermons he's given with that subject matter and two of my children (and one of their significant others) has listened to ALL Voddie's material on being a godly husband ;).
I would at least recommend Fault Lines and Family Driven Faith, which I have read. ;)
Not the Bee on Voddie's Passing
May God bless Voddie's legacy for strong truth proclaimed unashamedly, and may the Almighty comfort and provide for his beloved family.
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